Reading: CH&CO boosts operations team with three hires

Reading-based catering giant CH&CO has strengthened its operations team with three new appointments.

Fiona Gilbertson joins the team as operations director covering the South and South East. Fiona will be responsible for driving sustainable growth through the delivery of innovative quality services, nurturing strong client relationships and leading highly-motivated and effective teams.

Gilbertson has a wealth of operational and leadership experience across many sectors, including workplaces, independent education and leisure. She also has expertise and flair in the area of sustainability. Most recently, she worked in strategic partnership and brand management with River Cottage and headed up sustainability for the leisure sector in RA Venues within Compass.

Two operations managers have also been appointed to help grow the business and develop their teams. Arun Kirpal joins from Elior UK and will cover Cambridge and the surrounding areas, while Susan Warren, who previously worked with an independent consultancy and for BaxterStorey prior to that, will operate in the North West.

Matt Symonds, managing director, CH&CO, said: “We’re very excited to welcome Fiona, Arun and Susan to the team. They each bring to the business great knowledge, experience and qualities that will help us realise our growth objectives through new business and client retention, and the development of our people. They are enthusiastic innovators, with a passion for food, people and sustainability – attributes that perfectly match the values of CH&CO. I look forward to working with them as we continue to create exciting experiences for our clients and our teams.”